For several seasons Texas has become a team rigid in its execution, a group of joyless workers marching single file into a Soviet-era factory. They shook that off in an Alamo Bowl victory over Oregon State.

One year ago, two years ago, confidence among the Texas Longhorns was a work in progress -- not something that came easily. As the 2012 season starts, the electrified air surrounding the team proves that these Horns are anything but lacking in swagger.